Key workers kept us safe during the pandemic. While many of us worked at home, NHS staff, carers, refuse collectors, teaching assistants and police staff put themselves at greater risk to be there for us. They looked after the sick and the vulnerable. They made sure our communities functioned by ensuring bins were emptied and […]
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Long COVID is having a devastating effect on the lives of many UNISON members. Assistant equality officer Haifa Rashed reports on how the union is responding Samantha Ellingham works on a surgical ward in a hospital. She contracted COVID-19 at work in April 2020 and has been on sick leave ever since. “Throughout the months […]
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Over recent months, UNISON has led negotiations to secure a framework for NHS staff working under NHS terms and conditions (Agenda for Change) in England to ensure that they receive their correct holiday pay. The NHS terms and conditions handbook, under section 13 already clearly states that pay should be calculated based on what an […]
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The Government has published its response after seeking views on the proposed remedy option for correcting the unlawful discrimination determined in the Court of Appeal’s McCloud judgment. In line with UNISON’s recommendation, it has been confirmed that Deferred Choice Underpin (DCU) will be the remedy option for the NHS Pension Schemes covering England and Wales, […]
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The public will be horrified. NHS staff will think it’s some kind of joke Commenting on the publication today (Thursday) of the Department of Health and Social Care paper on workforce funding and pay – recommending a 1% pay rise for NHS staff in England – UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said: “No wonder the chancellor […]
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Rescuing economy and public services should go hand in hand Commenting on the Chancellor’s Budget statement today (Wednesday), UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “The chancellor had much to say on how to revive the economy but strangely silent on public services. “Workers and services at the heart of the country’s pandemic will be more concerned with what Rishi Sunak – so keen to stress […]
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Celebrities back call for wage increase Football pundit Gary Lineker, comedian Jo Brand and Hollywood star David Oyelowo are among celebrities backing a fair pay campaign launched today (Monday) by health unions. To mark International Thank You Day, the 14 unions are urging the public to use social media to champion the vital work of […]
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Chancellor’s plan is austerity plain and simple Commenting on the Chancellor’s comprehensive spending review today (Wednesday), UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “This is austerity plain and simple. A decade of spending cuts left public services exposed when Covid came calling. The government is making the same disastrous mistake again. “Going after the pay of millions will be […]
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